Spiritual Emphasis Retreats

Spiritual Emphasis Retreats utilize an experiential learning format to encourage and challenge students spiritually. During the retreats, students and faculty members from WSCA and HCS (Harrisburg Christian School) participate together in a fun team activity designed to teach a particular spiritual principle. It is also an excellent time to build community and life skills. The retreats are grade-specific and are available to students in grades 5-12.

12th Grade

"Conquering the Rapids of Life" | Whitewater Rafting in Ohiopyle

12^th graders go whitewater rafting in Ohiopyle. The theme is "Conquering the Rapids of Life: Remaining Faithful Through Life's Challenges" It is based on John 16:33, “in this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” The objective of this retreat is to assist students in preparing for challenges they may face in the years ahead and to encourage them to remain faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ despite these challenges.

11th Grade

"Setting a Course for Life" | Overnight Trip to Annapolis

11th graders go on an overnight trip to Annapolis. The theme is "Setting a Course for Life". It is based on Ephesians 4:29-5:8. Students set sail on a 17^th century schooner on the first day and tour the US Naval Academy on the second day. They explore Scripture to understand God's concept of “Honor” as they seek to discover and develop their own “Biblical Code of Honor” by which to live their lives.

10th Grade

"Trusting God as the Rock" | Rock Climbing at White Rock Acres

The theme for the sophomore Spiritual Emphasis Retreat is “Trusting God as the Rock” based on Psalm 62:7-8, “On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock…Trust in him at all times, O people.” The objective is to encourage students to place their trust in God because He is our Rock and salvation. Students will be led on an experiential learning activity at White Rock Acres.

9th Grade

"Grace Extended" | Canoeing at Yellow Breeches

The theme of the freshman Spiritual Emphasis Retreat is "Grace Extended," taken from Corinthians 4:15, “For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving to the glory of God.” The objective is to encourage students in demonstrating our institution’s core value of community as they think about how to extend grace in conversations and situations where conflict has the potential to exist. Students are led on an experiential learning activity on the Yellow Breeches River.

6th-8th Grade

"Identifying Our Gifts to Serve the Body of Christ" | Gifford Pinchot State Park

I Corinthian 12:12 states, “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” Middle school students experientially engage with this theme during their day trip to Gifford Pinchnot State Park. We utilize team building challenges and canoeing to explore students’ individual gifts and how they contribute to the community. For the canoeing portion of our activity, students are in canoes with other students and are responsible for paddling their own boats. Paddling instructions are provided.

Spiritual Emphasis Retreat Middle School

5th Grade

"Walk Worthy" | Mt Lou San

Our Spiritual Emphasis Day for the fifth grade is entitled, "Walk Worthy" with a special focus on our school's theme verse Colossians 1:10. The objective is to encourage students in demonstrating our institution's core value of community as they think about how to extend grace in conversations and situations while navigating life together. The day's schedule is broken up into team building and leadership activities with speaker sessions.